A BELOVED actor blessed with a gift for comedy and dry wit has died.

Amateur drama group member Andrew Stainthorpe was popular at The Castle Players theatre group in Barnard Castle starring in productions since 2000.

He was known for having audiences in fits of laughter or tears of sadness in his eccentric character portrayals.

Fellow performer Ben Pearson first met the actor in rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet.

The pair became fast friends and Mr Pearson often struggled to keep a straight face in rehearsal scenes together.

He said his friend was a natural actor and would regularly put new members of the group at ease with his warm nature and positive attitude on life.

He said: “He lived life on his terms. He was unique. Anyone and everyone you were to ask about him would say the same.

“If you weren't aware of the health issues he faced then you'd never believe it. He made sure it didn't define him and he brought so much joy.

“The group will all miss him enormously and there will forever be an Andrew Stainthorpe shaped hole in the world.”

Mr Stainthorpe had aspirations to become a professional actor before his death and had recently finished a master’s degree in London.

He was lining up an agent and even had professional headshots taken, asking fellow group members which they preferred.

His colleagues believed he was about to make it big as he had already starred alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company and featured in a BBC documentary which they believe gave him the push to pursue the career.

He affected those in the group so much that in 2014 newcomer Sam Tucker donated a kidney to him whilst he was undergoing dialysis treatment.

She said: I’d only met him a few times, but you could tell he was a really lovely man and incredible performer.

“I really believe he could have made it, he was such a special person and had an amazing gift."

Drama group chair Sarah Fells said the actor was like family to her, he used to go for dinner every Sunday and the pair regularly went on holiday together.

She said: "He was like my little brother and I was his big sister. I have so many lovely memories with him and I am so grateful for our time together. Andrew was such a character."